| Tale of the Tape | Jason Asher |
Greg Foster
|
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-0 | 8-1 |
| Age | 26 | 34 |
| Height | 6’1″ | 5’11” |
| Reach | ? | ? |
| Hometown | New Orleans, Louisiana, US | Tucson, Arizona, US |
| Combined Opp. Record | 16-12 | 41-82 |
| Gym | Mid City MMA | |
| Championships | N/A | N/A |
Shawn Bitter- I don’t have a great read on this fight because of the limited footage. With Asher, it’s too soon, and with Foster, it’s too late. Foster is already 34, so I’d assume the matchmakers are looking to get Asher into the UFC. From what I’ve seen, Foster isn’t bad. He has great size for the division and some solid tools on the feet and mat. He throws volume, moves his feet, and shows variety. The problem is his lack of physicality, as he’s more of a death-by-a-thousand-punches type of fighter.
Asher is an even bigger guy with a similar style but is more dangerous. He’s still green and has clear room for improvement, while Foster is likely as good as he’ll get. I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, but I’ll side with the younger fighter who has more room to grow. Asher hits harder, is faster, and is slightly better technically. I have Asher by TKO in round two.
Cedric Dumas- This is not a matchup I have much enthusiasm for.
Asher is still a very raw prospect. The undefeated record looks good on paper, but his opposition has been underwhelming, and most of his résumé comes from beating up the Louisiana regional scene. His last knockout went viral, but it also came against an opponent who accepted the fight on roughly 45 minutes’ notice.
There is something to like about Asher. He has a strong personality, an aggressive style, and the makings of a fighter fans could get behind. The record just needs context.
Foster is an even tougher sell for me. At 34, he is well past the point where a Contender Series opportunity should be about developing him for the UFC. He also lost to a 3-3 fighter last year and has spent most of his career against opposition that simply does not belong at this level.
Asher should have enough physical and offensive advantages to get ahead and find the finish, but this is not the kind of fight that tells us much about his ceiling. The pick is Asher, but the bigger question is why this matchup was made in the first place.
Pick: Asher by Round 2 KO/TKO
Nicholas Holt- I’m struggling to see the logic behind this matchup. Greg Foster is 34 years old, and the only notable thing on his résumé is losing an amateur bout to Sean O’Malley in 2014. He offers little upside for the UFC and suffered a crushing loss to a 3-3 opponent just last year.
His opponent, Jason Asher, is also a questionable booking given the lack of competition he’s faced. However, he’ll likely be the one to trust in this bout. He owns a solid frame and should have the edge in both speed and athleticism against Foster. Outside of a fluke KO, Asher should handle this one with ease.
Pick: Asher by Round 1 KO/TKO
Xavi Ryder- This feels like a matchup they put together last minute to fill the fifth fight slot on this card. I don’t love this one, but I do think Asher should take home the victory. At 34 years old, it seems like Foster is just here to fill a spot, and the UFC is really looking to see if Asher can run him over. I’m not sure Asher deserves this opportunity yet, but at least he is young and promising. Asher is the more dangerous fighter in this one, so I have to go with him.
Pick: Asher by Round 1 KO/TKO
Drew Beaupre- As is always the case for DWCS, I have to wonder why an older fighter that hasn’t already had a successful career in another combat sport is being brought in when Dana White claims that’s not what he’s interested in signing.
That’s obviously not to say that Foster couldn’t secure a UFC contract with a big finish, but the 34-year-old doesn’t really boast much power even if he has decent striking and will put volume on his opponents when given the opportunity. He’s also capable of finding submissions on the mat, but he’s going to be dealing with a considerably younger and more athletic fighter in Asher.
Neither of these men has proven themselves against the level of competition that would inspire much confidence in either to win, but in matchups like these I have to go with the younger, more explosive guy who’s already shown he’ll be looking for a finish from the opening bell.
Pick: Asher by Round 1 KO/TKO
Cangrejo Ruiz- This is a low-level fight; Asher is an okay striker but is super green while facing low-level competition. Foster is a decent wrestler past his prime who struggles when he can’t impose his game plan. Pick is Asher, as he has the upside.
Pick: Asher by Decision
Benjamin Keith- I’ll admit, I don’t know much about either guy. I’d call Foster a veteran, but his fight experience doesn’t match his age. Asher, on the other hand, is green and simply not ready for this shot. Asher shows more power and overall danger on tape, but I am going with the guy from the respected gym.
Pick: Foster by Decision
